Yakub's body to be handed over to family, but conditions apply

According to sources, the government is of the opinion that Yakub Memon's body should be handed over to the family members who made an application for the same to the Nagpur jail superintendent on Wednesday. Also, Yakub's body will be given to relatives only if they give an undertaking that the conditions laid down by the authorities would be followed.

The Maharshtra state government has decided to hand over Yakub Memon’s body to his family if the 1993 Mumbai blasts convict's relatives accept certain conditions.

According to sources, the government is of the opinion that the body should be handed over to the family members who made an application for the same to the Nagpur jail superintendent on Wednesday. Also, Yakub's body will be given to relatives only if they give an undertaking that the conditions laid down by the authorities would be followed.

“The family would not be allowed to take out procession and the funeral will have to be kept a low key affair. The last rites will have to be performed within the stipulated time...there should be no construction on the grave,” a top official said.

“Though the jail superintendent has powers to refuse to hand over the body to the relatives only on the ground of law and order situation. Though the powers are vested with the superintendent and the case is fit for the refusal, the government is of the opinion that the body should be handed over to the relatives,” the official said.

“However, we are aware of the risk involved in the transportation and arrival of the body in Mumbai,” he added.

The post-mortem, which is compulsory, would be performed within couple of hours after the execution and the body will be handed over to the relatives immediately to ensure the funeral is conducted by evening, he said.

Sources said Mumbai Police commissioner Rakesh Maria has been asked by the government to ensure there are no reactions or communal trouble take place in the city.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, meanwhile, made an appeal to the citizens to maintain peace and said that everything will be done as per the law.

Meanwhile, state home department sources said the state government has sought advice from the ministry of home affairs on the issue of handing over the convict’s body to his relatives and the burial of the same.